For travelers to Japan interested in early Edo history, I want to recommend a new non-fiction book that I have been enjoying:
In the Service of the Shogun - The Real Story of William Adams
Frederik Cryns
2024
Reaktion Books
William Adams was the real-life inspiration of James Clavel's novel, Shogun. He was an English seaman stranded in Japan in the early 1600s. Adams became a close advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu - the first shogun of the Edo Period. Ieyasu is an important figure in Japanese history; his magnificent shrine is found in Nikko, a stop well worth any traveler's time.
Author Cryns was an advisor for the TV version of Shogun and is a professor of Japanese history in Kyoto. The book is based on primary sources researched in both Europe and Japan.
I particularly like that in following William Adams life, the book ties together the world of Elizabethan England, conditions during the early Age of Great Sail period, early trading conditions encountered by companies such as the East India Company, and life in feudal Japan. At 214 pages, the book is quite manageable and I have found it an engaging read.
One hint for those unfamiliar with Japanese history - it might be helpful to have a Wikipedia outline level background on some of the major events of Japanese history and the key players. There are references in the book to some of the historical periods - Edo, Meiji Restoration, etc. Having a vague idea of the sequence and dates might be useful. The Battle of Sekigahara is referenced as a major turning point in Japanese history occurring shortly prior to Adams arrival in Japan. Doing a quick survey of the players and outcomes may add to the understanding of Adams' experience. Similarly, some of the major players outside the Tokugawa clan such as Oda Nobunaga and the Toyotomi clan are referenced giving a bit of background on the events current during Adams' time.